Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program and online Master of Social Work (MSW) program equip you with the skills to create meaningful change in your community. These programs focus on empowering individuals, families and communities by taking on critical social issues through advocacy, cultural humility and effective engagement.
You can remain in your community because while the courses are fully online, you’ll have the opportunity to gain practical skills while you complete your field work locally.
When comparing social work and counseling career paths, there are notable differences between the two mental health professional fields to consider before committing to one over the other.
Before you decide which path to take, it’s helpful to understand how social work and counseling overlap — and where they differ.
What does a social worker do?
A social worker focuses on larger societal problems, such as substance abuse and addiction disorders, through empathy and effective communication while working with individuals, families and vulnerable communities.
Clinical social workers may provide direct psychological counseling, but they also help people navigate a range of social services, from education to health care.
As a social worker, you’ll act as an advocate for your clients, promote social welfare, educate clients and teach them new skills, link clients to essential resources within the community, protect vulnerable clients and their best interests, counsel clients, research social problems and find solutions and advocate for social justice.
Social work spans micro, mezzo and macro levels — meaning your work could focus on individual support, family systems, organizational change or community advocacy.
What does a counselor do?
Social workers help individuals and families navigate complex challenges — from addiction to housing insecurity — while also addressing larger systemic issues like healthcare access or policy reform.
As a counselor, you will help people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career choices, grief or trauma.
Counselors apply different techniques, like helping clients reframe difficult situations, talking through problems or finding step-by-step solutions. They also teach coping skills, how to improve communication and help clients control their emotions in healthier ways, making it easier to manage life’s challenges.
Social work vs. counseling: Similarities and differences
Here are some of the key similarities and differences to consider when choosing social work vs. counseling:·
- Accreditation: A master’s in social work requires different accreditation than a master’s in counseling. You need state licensure to become a licensed professional counselor, while earning a degree with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation, like Boise State’s online MSW, to be eligible for social work state licensure.
- Outcomes: Counselors are trained to help clients directly, while social workers are more likely to help clients and communities find the resources they need to change their circumstances, remove social barriers or influence public policy on a broader scale.
- Specializations: Social workers might focus on criminology or trauma and violence, while counselors tend to have tighter focuses concerning mental health, including family therapy, addiction counseling and grief counseling.
- Salaries: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers had a median annual salary of $61,330 in 2024. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors had a median annual salary of $59,190. Salaries often fluctuate depending on your credentials, whether you possess a doctorate degree in social work and a host of other factors.
Social work vs. counseling: Which path is right for you?
If you choose a counseling degree and career path, you can expect to have career options such as a family counselor, school counselor, rehabilitation counselor or substance abuse counselor.
If you choose a social work degree and career path, you can expect to have career options such as an addiction counselor, behavioral health consultant, clinical therapist, family advocacy representative, guidance counselor, non-profit manager, substance abuse counselor or victim advocate.
You can always base your decision on where you see yourself doing the most good for your community. Or, as always, speak with your student success coach or advisor to help determine your next step.
Learn more about Boise State Online’s social work programs
Earning an online degree in social work from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Contact a student success coach today.